Sun shines on Penicuik for festival

The gala season in Midlothian was kicked off in style when hundreds turned out to celebrate the Hunter and Lass festival in Penicuik.

Colin Hawkins and Gillian Garriock were installed as Hunter and Lass on a bright but chilly Thursday evening outside Penicuik Town Hall.

Hope McManus and Zoja Gorjanc, from Strathesk Primary, the winners of Penicuik’s Got Talent, entertained the crowd with their singing.

The weather remained fair on Saturday for Hunter and Lass Day when 78 horses followed Colin and Gillian to Penicuik House for the traditional horn blowing ceremony and then onto the rideout over the Pentland Hills.

The horse cavalcade returned safely to Penicuik to lead the 31st Penicuik on Parade in glorious sunshine.

The parade consisted of approximately 600 - 700 participants including six bands and several decorated vehicles. The afternoon culminated in the public park, organised by Penicuik Rotary, with local organisations having a variety of stalls and dance displays.

The week started with a family bike ride, which attracted 60 participants. Other events included the midweek rideout and pram race.

Hunter Colin and Lass Gillian are now preparing to attend the various other Border towns festivals with their first engagement being the Whipman Play in West Linton tomorrow (Friday).

The Hunter and Lass Committee would like to thank the people of Penicuik for their support as well as Police Scotland, Midlothian Council, Penicuik Athletic, Penicuik Pub Watch, Penicuik on Parade, Penicuik Rotary Club, the local schools and local landowners.